The wait time for a routine orthopedic procedure in some regions is sitting at 47 weeks. This isn't just an inconvenience; it's "time toxicity". Biologically, waiting 47 weeks means active, compounding physical deterioration. Cartilage continues to erode, bone grinds on bone, and chronic pain leads to muscle atrophy and cardiovascular decline. Patients are no longer accepting being passive statistics in these systems.
#HealthcareWaitTimes #ChronicPainRelief #OrthopedicSurgery #MedicalSystem
A new large-scale clinical trial has found that a standardized, full-spectrum cannabis extract can effectively and safely reduce chronic low back pain. The study, published in Nature Medicine, showed that the treatment, known as VER-01, provided meaningful pain relief and improved physical function and sleep quality without signs of causing dependence or withdrawal. Chronic low back pain is a leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting over half a billion people and diminishing their quality of life. Current drug treatments offer limited help and come with significant risks. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are not suited for long-term use because of potential gastrointestinal and cardiovascular side effects. Opioids are frequently prescribed but carry a high risk of abuse, dependence, and overdose, which has fueled a global health crisis. Researchers led by Matthias Karst of Hannover Medical School in Germany recognized an urgent need for new, non-addictive pain relievers. They focused on cannabis-based medicines, which have generated public interest but often lack high-quality scientific evidence. To address this gap, the team designed a rigorous, large-scale trial to test a chemically well-defined and consistent cannabis extract. The research was a complex, multi-phase trial conducted at 66 sites in Germany and Austria. In the first phase, 820 adults with chronic low back pain were randomly assigned to receive either the oral cannabis extract VER-01 or a placebo for 12 weeks. This phase was double-blind, meaning neither the participants nor the investigators knew who was receiving the active treatment. The primary goal was to measure the change in average pain intensity, which participants rated on a 0-to-10 scale. For a subgroup of participants whose pain had a nerve-related component, the researchers also assessed changes in neuropathic pain symptoms using a specific questionnaire. After the initial 12 weeks, the study found that VER-01 was significantly more effective than the placebo at reducing pain. The group receiving the cannabis extract reported an average pain reduction of 1.9 points on the 10-point scale, compared to a 1.4-point reduction in the placebo group. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant. The treatment was especially effective for participants who started with severe pain and for those who had nerve-related pain. The study also met its secondary goal, showing a significant decrease in neuropathic pain symptoms for those taking VER-01 compared to placebo. The benefits extended beyond simple pain reduction. Participants taking the active treatment reported significant improvements in their sleep quality and physical function. A higher percentage of people in the VER-01 group achieved at least a 30% reduction in their pain, a level considered clinically meaningful. They also used about half as much rescue medication, like ibuprofen, as the participants in the placebo group. Overall, these improvements translated into a better quality of life and a more positive global impression of their condition. Following the 12-week controlled phase, the trial entered a long-term open-label extension, where participants could continue taking VER-01 for an additional six to twelve months. During this period, the pain relief was not only sustained but continued to improve. Participants did not show signs of needing higher doses over time to achieve the same effect, suggesting a lack of tolerance development. A final phase of the study involved a randomized withdrawal. Some participants who had benefited from the treatment were unknowingly switched from VER-01 to a placebo to see if their pain would return. The primary measurement for this phase, which was the time it took for the treatment to be considered a failure, did not show a statistically significant difference between the groups. The study authors suggest this may be due to the limited number of participants in this part of the trial. A secondary analysis did show, however, that participants who were switched to the placebo experienced a significant increase in their pain compared to those who continued taking VER-01. Regarding safety, adverse events were more common in the VER-01 group than in the placebo group. The most frequent side effects were dizziness, headache, fatigue, nausea, and dry mouth. Most of these events were mild to moderate in intensity and tended to occur during the first few weeks of treatment before subsiding. While more participants on VER-01 discontinued the study due to side effects, the rate of serious adverse events was similar between the two groups. A central finding of the safety analysis was the complete absence of signs related to drug abuse, dependence, or withdrawal symptoms, even after treatment was stopped abruptly. Jan Vollert, a lecturer in neuroscience at the University of Exeter, told the Science Media Centre: “This is an excellent study. We have long argued that studies on cannabis or cannabis-based substances need to provide high level of evidence: this is it. It is only one trial, and we will need further studies to confirm the findings, but this is a good signal that the compound could help patients.” Vollert also emphasized the importance of using a specific, controlled product. “This is in no way comparable to smoking cannabis…this study does not make a case for smoking cannabis, as smoking cannabis and taking VER-01 are probably as similar as eating hazelnuts and eating Nutella: they might share a similar basis, but they just are not comparable.” David Nutt, the head of the Centre for Neuropsychopharmacology at Imperial College London, also weighed in. “This is an elegant study using a placebo design with later cross over from placebo to active that confirms what we at DrugScience and other have been saying for some time based on our T21 initiative and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis – that whole plant extract cannabis-based products have a role in chronic pain treatment.” The researchers acknowledge some limitations of their work. The study did not directly compare VER-01 to other pain medications like opioids, though a follow-up study on that topic is planned. Cognitive function was not formally assessed, which could be included in future investigations of cannabinoid treatments. The lack of a statistically significant result in the withdrawal phase suggests that future studies of this kind may require a larger sample size to confirm the maintenance of effect. The findings position VER-01 as a promising therapeutic option that could play an important part in the future of pain management. The study, “Full-spectrum extract from Cannabis sativa DKJ127 for chronic low back pain: a phase 3 randomized placebo-controlled trial,” was authored by Matthias Karst, Winfried Meissner, Sabine Sator, Jens Keßler, Volker Schoder, and Winfried Häuser.
A new large-scale clinical trial has found that a standardized, full-spectrum cannabis extract can effectively and safely reduce chronic low back pain. The study, published in Nature Medicine, showed that the treatment, known as VER-01, provided meaningful pain relief and improved physical function and sleep quality without signs of causing dependence or withdrawal. Chronic low back pain is a leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting over half a billion people and diminishing their quality of life. Current drug treatments offer limited help and come with significant risks. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are not suited for long-term use because of potential gastrointestinal and cardiovascular side effects. Opioids are frequently prescribed but carry a high risk of abuse, dependence, and overdose, which has fueled a global health crisis. Researchers led by Matthias Karst of Hannover Medical School in Germany recognized an urgent need for new, non-addictive pain relievers. They focused on cannabis-based medicines, which have generated public interest but often lack high-quality scientific evidence. To address this gap, the team designed a rigorous, large-scale trial to test a chemically well-defined and consistent cannabis extract. The research was a complex, multi-phase trial conducted at 66 sites in Germany and Austria. In the first phase, 820 adults with chronic low back pain were randomly assigned to receive either the oral cannabis extract VER-01 or a placebo for 12 weeks. This phase was double-blind, meaning neither the participants nor the investigators knew who was receiving the active treatment. The primary goal was to measure the change in average pain intensity, which participants rated on a 0-to-10 scale. For a subgroup of participants whose pain had a nerve-related component, the researchers also assessed changes in neuropathic pain symptoms using a specific questionnaire. After the initial 12 weeks, the study found that VER-01 was significantly more effective than the placebo at reducing pain. The group receiving the cannabis extract reported an average pain reduction of 1.9 points on the 10-point scale, compared to a 1.4-point reduction in the placebo group. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant. The treatment was especially effective for participants who started with severe pain and for those who had nerve-related pain. The study also met its secondary goal, showing a significant decrease in neuropathic pain symptoms for those taking VER-01 compared to placebo. The benefits extended beyond simple pain reduction. Participants taking the active treatment reported significant improvements in their sleep quality and physical function. A higher percentage of people in the VER-01 group achieved at least a 30% reduction in their pain, a level considered clinically meaningful. They also used about half as much rescue medication, like ibuprofen, as the participants in the placebo group. Overall, these improvements translated into a better quality of life and a more positive global impression of their condition. Following the 12-week controlled phase, the trial entered a long-term open-label extension, where participants could continue taking VER-01 for an additional six to twelve months. During this period, the pain relief was not only sustained but continued to improve. Participants did not show signs of needing higher doses over time to achieve the same effect, suggesting a lack of tolerance development. A final phase of the study involved a randomized withdrawal. Some participants who had benefited from the treatment were unknowingly switched from VER-01 to a placebo to see if their pain would return. The primary measurement for this phase, which was the time it took for the treatment to be considered a failure, did not show a statistically significant difference between the groups. The study authors suggest this may be due to the limited number of participants in this part of the trial. A secondary analysis did show, however, that participants who were switched to the placebo experienced a significant increase in their pain compared to those who continued taking VER-01. Regarding safety, adverse events were more common in the VER-01 group than in the placebo group. The most frequent side effects were dizziness, headache, fatigue, nausea, and dry mouth. Most of these events were mild to moderate in intensity and tended to occur during the first few weeks of treatment before subsiding. While more participants on VER-01 discontinued the study due to side effects, the rate of serious adverse events was similar between the two groups. A central finding of the safety analysis was the complete absence of signs related to drug abuse, dependence, or withdrawal symptoms, even after treatment was stopped abruptly. Jan Vollert, a lecturer in neuroscience at the University of Exeter, told the Science Media Centre: “This is an excellent study. We have long argued that studies on cannabis or cannabis-based substances need to provide high level of evidence: this is it. It is only one trial, and we will need further studies to confirm the findings, but this is a good signal that the compound could help patients.” Vollert also emphasized the importance of using a specific, controlled product. “This is in no way comparable to smoking cannabis…this study does not make a case for smoking cannabis, as smoking cannabis and taking VER-01 are probably as similar as eating hazelnuts and eating Nutella: they might share a similar basis, but they just are not comparable.” David Nutt, the head of the Centre for Neuropsychopharmacology at Imperial College London, also weighed in. “This is an elegant study using a placebo design with later cross over from placebo to active that confirms what we at DrugScience and other have been saying for some time based on our T21 initiative and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis – that whole plant extract cannabis-based products have a role in chronic pain treatment.” The researchers acknowledge some limitations of their work. The study did not directly compare VER-01 to other pain medications like opioids, though a follow-up study on that topic is planned. Cognitive function was not formally assessed, which could be included in future investigations of cannabinoid treatments. The lack of a statistically significant result in the withdrawal phase suggests that future studies of this kind may require a larger sample size to confirm the maintenance of effect. The findings position VER-01 as a promising therapeutic option that could play an important part in the future of pain management. The study, “Full-spectrum extract from Cannabis sativa DKJ127 for chronic low back pain: a phase 3 randomized placebo-controlled trial,” was authored by Matthias Karst, Winfried Meissner, Sabine Sator, Jens Keßler, Volker Schoder, and Winfried Häuser.
A new large-scale clinical trial has found that a standardized, full-spectrum cannabis extract can effectively and safely reduce chronic low back pain. The study, published in Nature Medicine, showed that the treatment, known as VER-01, provided meaningful pain relief and improved physical function and sleep quality without signs of causing dependence or withdrawal. Chronic low back pain is a leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting over half a billion people and diminishing their quality of life. Current drug treatments offer limited help and come with significant risks. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are not suited for long-term use because of potential gastrointestinal and cardiovascular side effects. Opioids are frequently prescribed but carry a high risk of abuse, dependence, and overdose, which has fueled a global health crisis. Researchers led by Matthias Karst of Hannover Medical School in Germany recognized an urgent need for new, non-addictive pain relievers. They focused on cannabis-based medicines, which have generated public interest but often lack high-quality scientific evidence. To address this gap, the team designed a rigorous, large-scale trial to test a chemically well-defined and consistent cannabis extract. The research was a complex, multi-phase trial conducted at 66 sites in Germany and Austria. In the first phase, 820 adults with chronic low back pain were randomly assigned to receive either the oral cannabis extract VER-01 or a placebo for 12 weeks. This phase was double-blind, meaning neither the participants nor the investigators knew who was receiving the active treatment. The primary goal was to measure the change in average pain intensity, which participants rated on a 0-to-10 scale. For a subgroup of participants whose pain had a nerve-related component, the researchers also assessed changes in neuropathic pain symptoms using a specific questionnaire. After the initial 12 weeks, the study found that VER-01 was significantly more effective than the placebo at reducing pain. The group receiving the cannabis extract reported an average pain reduction of 1.9 points on the 10-point scale, compared to a 1.4-point reduction in the placebo group. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant. The treatment was especially effective for participants who started with severe pain and for those who had nerve-related pain. The study also met its secondary goal, showing a significant decrease in neuropathic pain symptoms for those taking VER-01 compared to placebo. The benefits extended beyond simple pain reduction. Participants taking the active treatment reported significant improvements in their sleep quality and physical function. A higher percentage of people in the VER-01 group achieved at least a 30% reduction in their pain, a level considered clinically meaningful. They also used about half as much rescue medication, like ibuprofen, as the participants in the placebo group. Overall, these improvements translated into a better quality of life and a more positive global impression of their condition. Following the 12-week controlled phase, the trial entered a long-term open-label extension, where participants could continue taking VER-01 for an additional six to twelve months. During this period, the pain relief was not only sustained but continued to improve. Participants did not show signs of needing higher doses over time to achieve the same effect, suggesting a lack of tolerance development. A final phase of the study involved a randomized withdrawal. Some participants who had benefited from the treatment were unknowingly switched from VER-01 to a placebo to see if their pain would return. The primary measurement for this phase, which was the time it took for the treatment to be considered a failure, did not show a statistically significant difference between the groups. The study authors suggest this may be due to the limited number of participants in this part of the trial. A secondary analysis did show, however, that participants who were switched to the placebo experienced a significant increase in their pain compared to those who continued taking VER-01. Regarding safety, adverse events were more common in the VER-01 group than in the placebo group. The most frequent side effects were dizziness, headache, fatigue, nausea, and dry mouth. Most of these events were mild to moderate in intensity and tended to occur during the first few weeks of treatment before subsiding. While more participants on VER-01 discontinued the study due to side effects, the rate of serious adverse events was similar between the two groups. A central finding of the safety analysis was the complete absence of signs related to drug abuse, dependence, or withdrawal symptoms, even after treatment was stopped abruptly. Jan Vollert, a lecturer in neuroscience at the University of Exeter, told the Science Media Centre: “This is an excellent study. We have long argued that studies on cannabis or cannabis-based substances need to provide high level of evidence: this is it. It is only one trial, and we will need further studies to confirm the findings, but this is a good signal that the compound could help patients.” Vollert also emphasized the importance of using a specific, controlled product. “This is in no way comparable to smoking cannabis…this study does not make a case for smoking cannabis, as smoking cannabis and taking VER-01 are probably as similar as eating hazelnuts and eating Nutella: they might share a similar basis, but they just are not comparable.” David Nutt, the head of the Centre for Neuropsychopharmacology at Imperial College London, also weighed in. “This is an elegant study using a placebo design with later cross over from placebo to active that confirms what we at DrugScience and other have been saying for some time based on our T21 initiative and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis – that whole plant extract cannabis-based products have a role in chronic pain treatment.” The researchers acknowledge some limitations of their work. The study did not directly compare VER-01 to other pain medications like opioids, though a follow-up study on that topic is planned. Cognitive function was not formally assessed, which could be included in future investigations of cannabinoid treatments. The lack of a statistically significant result in the withdrawal phase suggests that future studies of this kind may require a larger sample size to confirm the maintenance of effect. The findings position VER-01 as a promising therapeutic option that could play an important part in the future of pain management. The study, “Full-spectrum extract from Cannabis sativa DKJ127 for chronic low back pain: a phase 3 randomized placebo-controlled trial,” was authored by Matthias Karst, Winfried Meissner, Sabine Sator, Jens Keßler, Volker Schoder, and Winfried Häuser.
Mindful Practices for Chronic Pain Relief and Emotional Wellness
Photo by Keenan Constance on Pexels.comChronic pain manifests in various forms, complicating life and diminishing joy. Whether stemming from autoimmune diseases, arthritis, fibromyalgia, or other chronic conditions, it not only impacts physical health but also has profound emotional and psychological effects that can lead to feelings of isolation and hopelessness. This multifaceted experience often challenges our daily routines, leading individuals to navigate a world that frequently seems unforgiving. To counteract these struggles, embark on a gentle meditative journey that encourages us to fully experience the body as it is, without judgment, and to cultivate awareness of our inner sensations and emotional states. By incorporating techniques such as mindfulness and visualization, we can ease our pain through the transformative power of gratitude, fostering a deeper connection with ourselves and nurturing resilience amidst adversity.
Body Scan
A body scan incorporated into meditation can be a gentle way to ease chronic pain, offering a pathway to greater mindfulness and enhanced body awareness. As we embark on a body scan, we lovingly direct our attention to various parts of our body, acknowledging sensations or tension without judgment. This compassionate practice allows us to recognize and alleviate the anxiety and stress that often accompany chronic pain, paving the way for a more peaceful experience. By embracing relaxation, we help to release muscle tension and foster a deeper connection with ourselves, empowering us to manage our pain responses more effectively. As we cultivate acceptance and compassion towards our pain, we may discover a reduction in discomfort and an uplift in our overall well-being.
Photo by Elina Fairytale on Pexels.comVisualization
Visualization in meditation can be a powerful ally in easing chronic pain, as it fosters a gentle mental picture of relaxation and healing, potentially transforming the way we experience pain. By engaging in focused imagery, we can nurture our minds, leading to a reduction in stress and an increase in the release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain relievers. This calming approach allows patients to create a distance from their discomfort, offering a renewed sense of control over their pain management journey. Moreover, visualization techniques can deepen mindfulness, empowering individuals to navigate their pain more effectively by reshaping emotional responses and alleviating anxiety tied to chronic conditions.
Affirmation
Affirmations like: I am in control of my body; Each breath brings me healing and relaxation; Pain is a temporary experience; I am strong and resilient; I embrace comfort and release tension, can genuinely transform how we perceive chronic pain by nurturing a sense of empowerment and mindfulness. By regularly uttering these gentle affirmations, we can forge a deeper bond with our physical sensations and emotional states. This nurturing practice invites a shift from seeing pain merely as an enemy to acknowledging it as a part of their unique journey, fostering personal growth and resilience. Furthermore, embracing the transient nature of pain can cultivate a profound appreciation for moments of relief, ultimately enhancing one’s overall well-being. In the end, such affirmations help to create a compassionate mental space where hope and positivity can blossom, leading to improved coping strategies and a more fulfilling life, even amid the challenges of chronic pain.
Gratitude
Photo by Summer Stock on Pexels.comThese tools offer unique ways to navigate the challenges of chronic pain, allowing glimmers of hope to shine through the clouds of distress we may face each day. I can personally empathize with how challenging it can be to cultivate gratitude during flare-ups. When caught in the grip of intense pain that lasts for hours, days, weeks, or even longer, it feels nearly impossible to foster a sense of thankfulness. Yet, I’ve discovered that embracing gratitude can be a crucial aspect of coping with chronic illness over the long haul.
Expressing Gratitude in Coping with Chronic Pain
Daily expressions of gratitude can be a powerful tool for managing chronic pain, offering both emotional and psychological benefits. When we take the time to acknowledge and appreciate the positive aspects of our lives, we effectively shift our focus away from pain and discomfort. This shift can create a sense of balance, allowing for moments of joy and contentment to emerge even amidst the challenges posed by chronic conditions.
Fostering a Positive Mindset
Gratitude encourages a positive mindset, which can significantly influence how we perceive and react to pain. By actively recognizing the things we are thankful for—be it supportive relationships, small victories, or moments of beauty in our daily lives—we create a mental buffer against negativity. This approach can lessen the impact of chronic pain symptoms and foster resilience, enabling us to navigate our circumstances with greater strength.
Enhancing Emotional Well-being
Chronic pain often comes with emotional burdens, such as frustration, sadness, and isolation. Practicing gratitude can counter these feelings by anchoring us in a place of appreciation and hope. Frequent acknowledgment of what we are grateful for helps to rewire our internal dialogue, promoting feelings of empowerment and control over our life experience. This emotional shift can lead to reduced anxiety and an overall enhanced sense of well-being.
Building Connections
Photo by Thirdman on Pexels.comExpressing gratitude can also strengthen social connections. When we share our gratitude with others, we open up opportunities for connection and support. This network can be vital for individuals dealing with chronic pain, as it fosters a sense of belonging and understanding. Engaging with empathetic friends, family, or support groups can enrich our coping strategies and provide avenues for sharing experiences and feelings.
Cultivating Mindfulness
Incorporating gratitude into our daily routine encourages mindfulness, prompting us to be present in the moment. This practice allows us to observe our thoughts and feelings about pain without judgment. By integrating gratitude moments into mindfulness exercises, we can deepen our awareness of both our pain and our capacity for joy, creating a holistic approach to managing chronic pain.
Developing Resilience
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.comFinally, gratitude cultivates resilience. By focusing on the positive aspects of our lives, we can better adapt to the challenges posed by chronic pain. This resilient mindset not only helps us endure difficult moments but also empowers us to explore solutions and treatments that enhance our quality of life. Embracing gratitude invites us to see beyond our present struggles and fosters hope for healing and growth.
Daily expressions of gratitude are a transformative practice for coping with chronic pain. By fostering a positive mindset, enhancing emotional well-being, building connections, cultivating mindfulness, and developing resilience, we can navigate our journey with greater clarity and strength, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling life.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0aAbwS4h06BaL9GSyYlaQk?si=AdV1LU1yRh6bZ-18fzWp_A
Discover the beauty of resilience as you immerse yourself in this soothing guided meditation, thoughtfully designed to ease the physical and emotional burdens of chronic pain. Carry this sense of calm with you throughout your day, reminding yourself that you possess the inner strength and tools necessary to manage your pain. Thank you for dedicating this precious time to yourself.
Namaste.
#affirmation #awareness #balance #blessed #chronicIllness #chronicPain #chronicPainManagement #chronicPainRelief #emotionalWellness #experience #fibromyalgia #flow #gratitude #healing #health #holistic #holisticHealth #illness #lupus #managingPain #meditation #mentalHealth #mentalWellbeing #mentalWellness #mindful #moments #ms #pain #practice #spoonie #visualization
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How to get back doing the things you enjoy after injury.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHU76n84QBkTKnihFUyz7jg
A birds eye view of how to get back doing the things you enjoy after pain or injury. Sometimes you obviously need more specifics, but this is how it really works. Graded exposure plus time. #chronicpain #painmanagement #painrelief #nervoussystempain #pain #painwithoutinjury #kneepainexercises #backpain #backpainrelief #chronicpainrelief from Pain &…
I see it in my clinic all the time. That deep, grinding pain that just… lingers. It’s the kind of pain that doesn’t care if you have a big presentation at work or a grandchild’s birthday party. #chronicpainrelief #longactingpainkiller #opioidmedication #painmanagement #TramadolExtendedRelease #tramadolsideeffects
🧠⚡️ Breakthrough in pain relief! USC & UCLA engineers developed a wireless, AI-powered implant that uses ultrasound to manage chronic pain without drugs or batteries. With 94.8% accuracy, it adapts to your pain in real-time, offering hope to millions!
#GoodNews #ChronicPainRelief #AIInnovation #MedicalBreakthrough #USCresearch
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250623233327.htm
A groundbreaking wireless implant promises real-time, personalized pain relief using AI and ultrasound power no batteries, no wires, and no opioids. Designed by USC and UCLA engineers, it reads brain signals, adapts on the fly, and bends naturally with your spine.
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